Cardiac CT Angiography

A cardiac CT angiography is a test to help your caregiver find out why you are having chest pains or other symptoms of heart disease. This is an advanced type of X-ray that scans a part of the body and creates multiple pictures of it. Other names for the test are coronary CT angiography, coronary artery scanning and CTA. The "CT" stands for computed tomography. For this test, the heart and the area around it are scanned.

The test is painless and fairly quick. It is noninvasive. That means the test does not involve any type of surgery or incisions (cuts). Instead, a special fluid (contrast dye) will be injected into an IV in your arm. The contrast dye acts as a highlighter as it flows through the veins. With the CT scan, it lets your caregiver see:

If the coronary arteries (blood vessels) in your heart are more narrow than they should be, or if they are blocked.

If there is fluid around the heart.

If the muscles and tissues of the heart look weak or show signs of disease.

If the lungs contain any blood clots.

LET YOUR CAREGIVER KNOW ABOUT:

All medications you take. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamin or herbal supplements.

Any history of kidney problems.

Allergies to iodine or shellfish.

Allergies to any medication.

Allergies to medical tape.

Whether you have asthma or emphysema.

If you are 60 or older.

If you are getting radiation treatments.

If you are pregnant, or might be.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

Some people may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. This can range from mild to severe reactions which may include:

Itching at the IV insertion site.

Redness at the IV insertion site.

Hives.

Nausea.

Difficulty breathing.

Kidney failure.

This test involves the use of radiation. Radiation exposure can be dangerous to a pregnant patient and fetus. If you are pregnant, shields are used to protect your belly and pelvic area. More details are available from your caregiver.

BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

As soon as the test is scheduled:

Ask whether you will need to make changes to any medications you take for chronic disease. People taking diabetes medication, for example, might need to change their routine on the day of the test.

Ask if you should stop taking pills for erectile dysfunction before the test.